You’re grinding away at your solopreneur venture, pouring your heart and soul into it. But when you share your progress with friends or family, they don’t seem to get it.
They’re unimpressed, maybe even a little dismissive. “Why is it taking so long?” they ask.
You feel the pressure to show quick results, but deep down, you know that you’re not just building any business—you’re building a skyscraper, not a chicken coop.
The Pressure to Show Quick Progress
One of the biggest challenges solopreneurs face is the lack of understanding from those who’ve never started a business. They don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears that go into building something from the ground up.
And because they’ve only ever been employees, with a regular paycheck and clear-cut responsibilities, they don’t get why your progress seems slow or why you’re not raking in the cash just yet.
But here’s the truth: Most businesses fail precisely because they’re rushed. Building a solid, sustainable business takes time, and it’s important to resist the urge to rush the process just to appease others.
Quick growth might make you feel good in the short term, but it’s the businesses that grow slowly and deliberately that stand the test of time (Intentionally Designed).
The Art of Building Slowly
Think of your business as a skyscraper. You can’t just throw up some walls and expect it to stand tall against the winds of competition, market fluctuations, and economic downturns.
You need a strong foundation, reinforced walls, and meticulous attention to every detail.
It might take longer, but when it’s finished, it’s something that will stand tall and last for decades.
Take, for example, businesses that have grown intentionally, like Patagonia or even Starbucks. These companies didn’t become industry giants overnight.
They took their time, refining their products, nurturing customer relationships, and carefully expanding their reach.
Their slow, steady growth is what has allowed them to maintain their values and continue thriving even in the face of adversity (The Chicago Journal).
Encouragement for the Long Haul
So, if you’re feeling discouraged because your business isn’t growing as fast as you—or others—would like, remember this: You’re not building a chicken coop.
You’re building something far more significant, something that, with time, will soar above the competition.
It’s okay if your progress doesn’t look impressive to others right now. They’re not the ones doing the hard work, and they’re certainly not the ones who will reap the rewards.
What matters is that you’re building with intention, thoughtfulness, and a long-term vision.
The naysayers might not understand, but that’s okay. You don’t need their approval—you need to stay focused on your vision.
How I Can Help
If you ever find yourself questioning the pace of your progress or needing a bit of encouragement, just remember: You’re on the right track. Building something great takes time.
Explore my website to learn more about how I can Be of Service to you on this journey, providing resources and insights to help you build your skyscraper, not just a quick and easy chicken coop.
This blog post is meant to remind you that slow, intentional growth is not only okay but necessary for long-term success. If you find value in these insights, consider joining my newsletter to stay updated on new posts and other news.
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